Whitby's 199 steps

January 2006                                         

Work started in June 2005 to repair the 199 landmark steps leading to St Mary’s church and the Abbey at Whitby.  The repair has been funded by a successful local subscription organised by the church and its vicar Canon Edwyn Newlyn, and is being carried out under the direction of Pearce Bottomley Architects.

A philosophy of conservative repair was adopted, with all the steps re-pointed, but only about 10% being removed and reset, and less than 3% of the stone replaced.  The retaining walls were also repaired: vegetation removed, stonework re-pointed with the complete rebuilding of the upper courses in several places.  Some required additional strengthening with concrete backing and stainless dowels inserted behind the facing stonework.  Finally the handrails were repaired and repainted. 

Bob Barker, the main contractor, used this project as a training opportunity for one of his apprentice stonemasons.

Access up the West Cliff was maintained throughout, with the public having to use the adjoining donkey path.  While it might have been desirable to carry out the work in the quieter winter months, the necessary pointing with lime mortar cannot be done successfully in very cold conditions.  The whole programme is due to be completed by the end of 2005.